In this episode of iOS Today, hosts Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard dive into a comprehensive comparison of popular note-taking apps for iOS, examining their unique features and use cases. They also discuss Apple's surprise launch of a new event planning app called Apple Invites.

• Apple Notes: New iOS 18 features including Math Notes, collaborative note-taking capabilities, and family wish list sharing functionality
• Freeform: Apple's infinite canvas app that enables collaborative brainstorming, room planning, and freeform content organization with drawing support
• Bear: A beautiful Markdown-based notes app with custom keyboards and nested tags, available with a free tier and subscription options
• Obsidian: A powerful, customizable note-taking app with community plugins and the ability to create personal wikis
• Drafts: An advanced text editor that creates new drafts automatically, featuring powerful actions, custom themes, and extensive widget support
• Notion: A versatile workspace tool with templates for various use cases, featuring databases, calendars, and collaborative features

News

• Apple launches new "Invites" app requiring iCloud+ subscription to create invitations. It features shared photo albums, weather information, Apple Music playlist integration, and Apple Intelligence for custom backgrounds

Feedback

• Question about limiting group chat notifications in driving focus mode
• Request for help with continuous reading of non-Kindle ebooks using iOS accessibility features
• Discussion of potential workarounds including sending content to Kindle and exploring alternative solutions

Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard

Contact iOS Today at iOSToday@twit.tv.

Download or subscribe to iOS Today at https://twit.tv/shows/ios-today

Want access to the ad-free video and exclusive features? Become a member of Club TWiT today! https://twit.tv/clubtwit

Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord.

Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard check out the often-overlooked Tips app on Apple devices, showing how it can be a powerful tool for discovering features and learning device functionality. They explore how the app has evolved from basic instructions to become an essential resource for both new and experienced users, complete with interactive demos and deep links to settings.

• Get Started section contains essential setup checklists for new devices, covering Face ID, Apple account, iCloud backup, and emergency contacts
• Navigate Your iPhone feature provides interactive tutorials with animations for basic gestures and controls
• Practice mode lets users try gestures with real-time feedback and haptic responses
• What's New in iOS section highlights latest features and updates
• Genius Picks section showcases expert-curated tips, including lesser-known features like Vehicle Motion Cues for reducing motion sickness
• Complete user guides for iPhone, Apple Watch, HomePod, Apple TV, and AirPods
• Tips widget can be added to home screen and customized for different Focus modes
• Search function helps quickly find specific features or solutions
• Tips can be bookmarked and shared with others

Feedback

• Question about disabling CarPlay navigation prompts to home/work

Shortcuts Corner

• An explanation of how to customize the Apple Health data export based on specific health data types (steps, sleep, blood oxygen, etc.)

Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard

Want access to the video version and exclusive features? Become a member of Club TWiT today! https://twit.tv/clubtwit

Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord.

You can also contribute to iOS Today by sending an email to iOSToday@TWiT.tv.

In this episode of iOS Today, Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard discuss managing notifications on iPhones and iPads, sharing tips, tricks, and recommendations to help you control your device's notifications and minimize distractions.

Main Topic: Managing Your Notifications

• Auditing notifications from the lock screen by swiping left on a notification and tapping Options
• Customizing notifications for individual apps in the Notifications settings
• Choosing how notifications are displayed: Count, Stack, or List view
• Scheduled Summary: Bundling non-critical notifications to be delivered at set times throughout the day
• Using Focus modes to control which notifications come through during specific times or activities
• Enabling Focus filters to customize app content based on the active Focus mode
• Utilizing the Notifications summary and time-sensitive notifications for better notification management

Shortcuts Corner: What's New For iOS 18

• New Shortcuts actions available in iOS 16.1 and later, including opening specific App Store pages and the Control Center
• Send a Check-in action for sharing location via Messages, useful for automation triggers like starting a workout
• Move, rename, and search actions now available on all platforms
• Health and Fitness actions for opening specific data types and views
• Freeform app gains actions to rename and update boards
• Get Current App action enables more powerful automations based on the active app

Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard

Want access to the video version and exclusive features? Become a member of Club TWiT today! https://twit.tv/clubtwit

Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord.

You can also contribute to iOS Today by sending an email to iOSToday@TWiT.tv.

In this episode of iOS Today, hosts Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard demonstrate how to customize iPhone lock screens, exploring everything from widgets and fonts to Focus mode integration and automation. They also tackle a viewer question about triggering Mac actions from an iPhone using Keyboard Maestro.

• How to access lock screen customization by long-pressing while unlocked
• Exploring different lock screen styles including astronomy, emoji, weather, and colour options
• Customizing widgets in the top date/time area for quick information access
• Changing time display options including fonts, colors, and number systems
• Adding up to four small widgets or two rectangular widgets below the clock
• Customizing bottom controls (formerly just flashlight and camera) with various app shortcuts and actions
• Integration with Focus modes to automatically change lock screens based on activity
• Tips for using Always-On Display settings, including hiding wallpaper for better battery awareness
• How lock screens connect to home screen layouts and Apple Watch faces for a cohesive experience

Shortcuts Corner

• Kenny asks about running a Keyboard Maestro script to eject Time Machine drive remotely. Plus, an adorable pet tax!

Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard

Want access to the video version and exclusive features? Become a member of Club TWiT today! https://twit.tv/clubtwit

Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord.

You can also contribute to iOS Today by sending an email to iOSToday@TWiT.tv.

In this episode of iOS Today, hosts Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard dive deep into the Messages app's numerous features and hidden capabilities. From advanced safety features like Check In to productivity enhancements like scheduled messages and screen sharing, the hosts reveal powerful tools that many users might not know exist within their Messages app.

• Message Organization

  -Pin up to 9 conversations to the top of your messages list

  -View shared media, links, and collaborations by tapping on contact names

  -Access photos quickly by long-pressing the plus button

• Message Editing Features

  -Edit or unsend recently sent messages

  -Schedule messages to send at specific times and dates

  -Set message reminders that trigger when messaging specific contacts

• Safety Features

  -New Check In feature allows friends/family to monitor your journey safety without constant location sharing

  -Location sharing options: temporary, day-long, or indefinite

  -Battery-efficient alternative to constant Find My location sharing

• Audio Messages

  -New automatic transcription feature for voice messages

  -Dictation option available through microphone button

  -Transcriptions happen on-device before sending

• Screen Sharing

  -Share screens through FaceTime integration

  -Draw on shared screens to highlight items

  -Request remote control access to help troubleshoot issues

  -SharePlay integration for watching content together

• Settings and Filters

  -Filter unknown senders to reduce spam

  -Customize message retention periods

  -Control read receipts per contact

  -RCS messaging support in certain regions

• Shortcuts Corner Segment

  -Detailed walkthrough of creating automation for alarm control to benefit a warehouse worker.

Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard

Want access to the video version and exclusive features? Become a member of Club TWiT today! https://twit.tv/clubtwit

Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord.

You can also contribute to iOS Today by sending an email to iOSToday@TWiT.tv.

In this New Year's episode of iOS Today, hosts Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard kick off 2025 by exploring apps that can help viewers build and maintain better habits. They show off various habit-tracking and productivity apps, from sophisticated routine builders to Apple's new built-in journaling solution.

• MyRoutine - A science-backed habit tracking app that uses the Fogg Behavior Model to help users build habits by connecting them to existing situations.
• Habit Kit - A beautifully designed habit tracker that allows users to set custom goals, categorize habits, and track multiple completions per day!
• Apple Journal - Apple's native journaling app that automatically suggests entries based on locations, activities, and photos.
• Pass for Wallet - A completely free app for digitizing physical cards, tickets, and passes into Apple Wallet. Helps declutter physical wallets!
• HomePass for HomeKit - A comprehensive solution for storing HomeKit device codes across iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch

Shortcuts Corner

• Rosemary created a clever automation solution for a viewer who keeps forgetting their phone in the car. The shortcut uses CarPlay connections and reminders to notify users on their Apple Watch when leaving their vehicle.

Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard

Want access to the video version and exclusive features? Become a member of Club TWiT today! https://twit.tv/clubtwit

Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord.

You can also contribute to iOS Today by sending an email to iOSToday@TWiT.tv.

As another year winds down, Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard reflect on the most impressive and useful apps that defined their digital experiences in 2024. In this special episode, the hosts dive deep into their personal favorites across various categories.

• Balatro: A unique card game that even non-card players will love
• Flighty: The ultimate flight-tracking companion
• Carrot Weather: Bringing personality & precision to weather forecasting
• Fastmail: An email app packed with powerful features
• Croissant: Simplifying cross-platform social media posting
• Call Sheet: The ultimate companion for TV and movie enthusiasts
• Plus, a few more!

Beyond their top picks, Mikah and Rosemary share insights into how these apps have improved their daily digital lives, offering listeners practical advice on finding and using the best iOS apps of the year.

Feedback

• Chris wrote in asking about a method to easily format email replies with different colors for each response.

Shortcuts Corner

• Jack asked about a CarPlay notification issue with a shortcut automation. His home arrival notification would activate on the screen but had no audio!

Whether you're looking to optimize your iOS experience or just curious about the year's best apps, this episode of iOS Today is a must-listen!

Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard

Want access to the video version and exclusive features? Become a member of Club TWiT today! https://twit.tv/clubtwit

Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord.

You can also contribute to iOS Today by sending an email to iOSToday@TWiT.tv.

Leo & Mikah help you with your homework.

• Back to school: Noteshelf, Microsoft Math Solver, WolframAlpha, Babbel - Language Learning, Desmos Graphing Calculator, Cozi Family Organizer, PhotoStudy
• News: Flexibits introduces a new subscription: Fantastical Premium for Families. Google Maps returns to Apple Watch and joins CarPlay Dashboard. Apple releases the watchOS 7 Public Beta. Setapp comes to iOS. The MTA asks Apple to improve Face ID unlock with face coverings.
• Listener feedback: Rotation lock on iOS, nerds vs. geeks vs. dorks, and accidental touches on Apple Watch.
• Mikah's App Cap: Thwip
• Leo's App Cap: Microsoft Family Safety

Hosts: Leo Laporte and Mikah Sargent

Download or subscribe to this show at https://twit.tv/shows/ios-today.

You can contribute to iOS Today by leaving us a voicemail at 757-504-iPad (757-504-4723) or sending an email to iOSToday@TWiT.tv.

Sponsor:

• hover.com/twit